St. Gregory the Illuminator of Parpi
In the old cemetery of the village of Parpi stands the church of St. Gregory the Illuminator (13th century), which is a vaulted hall, with a rectangular plan and a chancel. St. Gregory's church is located in the southwestern part of the village, on the left bank of the Shaghverd River. It was built of reddish tuff stone, with a rectangular plan, vaulted, resembling an elongated hall.
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Parpi is a 13th-century Armenian church located in the historic village of Parpi, in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. Dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the figure credited with converting Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD, the church stands as a powerful symbol of Armenia’s early Christian identity. While St. Gregory himself lived in the 3rd–4th centuries, the church built in his honor centuries later reflects the deep reverence Armenian communities continued to hold for him throughout the ages.
The church, constructed in the medieval period, is a fine example of traditional Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. Though modest in size, it holds great historical and spiritual significance for the local community and for visitors seeking to connect with Armenia’s Christian heritage.
After standing for centuries, the church required significant restoration due to the effects of time and environmental exposure. In 2005, the church was restored by LEVGUK CJSC, a construction company that undertook the delicate task of preserving its original structure while reinforcing its integrity. This restoration effort was vital in ensuring the continued survival and accessibility of this sacred site.
Today, the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Parpi remains a cherished landmark—both a house of worship and a monument to Armenia’s enduring Christian legacy.
